Become New with John Ortberg 18. Pursue Noble Endeavors
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Jun 2, 2021 A reflection on Philo’s challenge to pursue noble endeavors and why elevation—the awe we feel at moral beauty—matters. Stories range from Salvation Army volunteers to a village that hid refugees and decades of devoted caregiving. Practical, quiet ways to live nobly are suggested to expand the soul.
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Pursue Noble Endeavors To Expand Your Soul
- John Ortberg highlights Philo of Alexandria's directive: pursue noble endeavors because they expand your soul even if you fail.
- This idea reframes effort as intrinsic growth, not just success, urging intentional pursuit of uplifting actions.
Elevation Explains Why Goodness Inspires Us
- Ortberg introduces Jonathan Haidt's concept of elevation as the emotional opposite of disgust that physically uplifts us.
- Elevation explains why witnessing moral courage or goodness creates chest expansiveness and inspires us toward better behavior.
Snow Shoveling Moment That Created Elevation
- Ortberg recounts a college volunteer who unexpectedly offered to shovel snow for an elderly woman, moving her to tears and stirring romantic feelings.
- The small, spontaneous act created elevation among onlookers and deep emotional impact.